Johannesburg – Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter has lauded his team's positive attitude after their 2-1 come-from-behind win over Free State Stars at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Amakhosi reclaimed top spot in the league table, hitting back from a goal down in the second half.
“We just kept plugging away. I'm delighted with their attitude,” Baxter said.
“We can play better, but we're delighted with the way squad came together.”
Josta Dladla was dropped for the game, while Bafana Bafana
player Lehlohonoro Majoro warmed the bench, and Baxter said neither of them had complained about their absence from the starting team.
“We'd thrown Josta into the stands – not a grumble. I took Majoro, and also not a grumble.
“We found out tonight the squad is up for it, and that for me is the big thing.”
Chiefs were not getting ahead of themselves, with defending champions Orlando Pirates two points behind and holding a game in hand, and Baxter said there was still a long way to go in the league race.
“When you get to top of the table, that only means for that one second you're successful.
“Whoever is top of the table when you crawl over the finishing line, that's going to be the important part.
“We're happy wherever we are, as long as we're in striking distance when the last game comes.
“If the last game comes and we're in with a chance, everybody at Chiefs will be delighted.”
Stars coach Steve Komphela was pleased with his side's defence, pointing out that Chiefs had scored twice from set-pieces.
“I think the performance was okay, except the scoreline. The defining moments were two set-pieces we gave away,” Komphela said.
“Looking at Kaizer Chiefs and ourselves, we have the two best defences in the league.”
In other league action on Saturday, strugglers AmaZulu earned much needed points with a 1-0 win over Golden Arrows in their derby clash in Umlazi.
High-flying Platinum Stars continued their run of form with a 3-0 victory over Ajax Cape Town in Phokeng, to remain third in the standings, and Bloemfontein Celtic defeated Wits 3-0 at Free State Stadium.
On Friday night, Mamelodi Sundowns had run out 3-0 victors over Maritzburg United in Port Elizabeth. – Sapa